Winter 2015 - IIDA Great Plains Chapter

title
content
winter 2015
hot topics........................................ 7
up next............................................. 1
in review.......................................... 3
Letter From The President
et cetera........................................... 4
sponsors.......................................... 1
Great Plains Chapter,
“And now a word TO our sponsors…” Well two words actually, two big words, THANK YOU! And
those words can’t be big enough to express my extreme appreciation. As our Chapter Partnership campaign is coming to a close I am excited to announce that with the addition of over 10 new
partners and multiple partners renewing at higher levels we have once again met and exceeded our
partnership goal for the year.
It is through the generosity of our Chapter Partners that we are able to provide monthly events at
three City Centers and three Campus Centers, specialty events for two state legislative organizations,
a Chapter wide design recognition event with nationally renowned keynote speaker, opportunity
for Chapter leaders to attend biannual national meetings to connect with IIDA Chapters from across
the country, and multiple other events. That’s over 50 opportunities available to our Members and
Friends each year that showcase interior design education, legislation, products, and trends.
Chapter Partners you are one of the many things that make the Great Plains Chapter truly great, and
for that I thank you!
Jamie Eckmann, IIDA LEED AP ID+C
President, Great Plains Chapter
Jamie Eckmann, IIDA, LEED AP ID+C
President, Great Plains Chapter
hot topics
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In The News
Membership Recognition
A project recently spotlighted in Interiors
& Sources December 2014 issue, is a newly
opened Omaha establishment called Thirst
Tea Cafe. This regional project also featured a
local design firm, Studio Brink, who focuses
on Interior Architecture, Design and Branding.
Owner, Creative Director and fellow IIDA
Great Plains Member, Amanda Swartwout,
worked with the owners and a local street
artist to bring this cafe and character of the
featured product to life in the Omaha market.
The interior’s textures, colors and graphical
appeal is a reflection of the teas and snacks
prepared, but most notably the traditional
Taiwanese bubble tea. Started in the 1980’s,
Taiwanese bubble tea is known as a fun and
refreshing drink with smooth, round tapioca
balls that you drink up through a thick straw.
To learn more check out Thirst Tea Cafe!
Allison Laurenzo, Student Member
Last year marked the Angelo Donghia
Foundation’s 12th year offering their Senior
Scholarship Award competition. The
scholarship award outwardly highlight’s half
of the foundation’s focus, the advancement of
education in the field of interior design.
Interested in the opportunity, University of
Nebraska-Lincoln student and senior to be,
Allison Laurenzo submitted a design project
alongside 60 other applicants. Upon careful
examination by a jury of 11, Laurenzo along
with 11 other students were awarded national
recognition of their design talents and
$30,000 for use of tuition, board, maintenance
and books.
Amanda Swartwout, IIDA, LEED AP
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IIDA Great Plains Chapter Awards
The IIDA Great Plains Chapter invites IIDA
members to submit their projects for
the 2015 IDEA Competition. IIDA GPC is
honored to present this annual event that
recognizes Interior Design excellence from
the Des Moines, Eastern Iowa and Omaha
City Centers. IIDA members may submit
projects from numerous market sectors and
compete for recognition among their peers.
Those selected will be honored at the Interior
Design Excellence Awards ceremony.
This year, categories will include Corporate,
Education, Healthcare, Hospitality and
Community & Civic. In acknowledgement
that the field of interior design cannot always
be contained to prescribed project categories,
we have included the opportunity for design
recognition through the Honor Award. This
category is heavily dependent on the judges
discretion to issue one or multiple honor
awards. All projects submitted, regardless of
category, are eligible to win an Honor Award.
Applicants are also invited to submit projects
and designs that do not conform to the
predetermined categories. One submission
from the category finalists and honor award
winner(s), will be selected by the judges to
win the Grand Award. The Grand Award is the
most prestigious award presented in the IDEA
competition.
For more project entry information or to
submit, you may do so online at IIDA Great
Plains website or by clicking here.
AWARD DATES
IDEA Award Submissions Due
01.30.2015
02.02.2015
03.06.2015
05.15.2015
Completed Entries Must be Received by 5pm CST
Detailed Submission Kit
& Requirements Emailed to Registered Entrants
Completed Project Submission(s)
& Entry Fee(s) Must be Received by 5pm CST
IDEA Awards at Kaneko in Omaha, Nebraska
Todd Mithelmann, Ind. IIDA was awarded Ind. Member of 2013-14!
Jay Reyhons, IIDA with Smith Metzger Architects, was awarded People’s Choice
Award at last year’s IDEA award ceremony. Also pictured is Jamie Eckmann, IIDA
then incoming President and Abby Scott, IIDA then President.
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Design demands persistence.
Persistence defines designers.
Designers are IIDA.
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Always here for you.
New Members of IIDA
Membership
Caitlin Sheeder, IIDA, LEED AP
Belong to IIDA.
GREAT PLAINS CHAPTER
Renew Your Membership!
New Student Members of IIDA
Allison Almarev, Student IIDA
Andie Andrews, Student IIDA
Briana Barnes, Student IIDA
Cailey Bates, Student IIDA
Taylor Brunmeier, Student IIDA
Kelsey Christensen, Student IIDA
Natalie Dieters, Student IIDA
Jillian Fahnle, Student IIDA
Jillian Frana, Student IIDA
Caitlin Garner, Student IIDA
Katie Gerlach, Student IIDA
Jamie Glenn, Student IIDA
Andrew Hicks, Student IIDA
Taylor Hiemer, Student IIDA
Caroline Hiltner, Student IIDA
Amelia Homes, Student IIDA
Ashley Humm, Student IIDA
Sarah Kathol, Student IIDA
Allison Kehoe, Student IIDA
Linnea Lindquist, Student IIDA
Rebecca McNemee, Student IIDA
Tiffany Meeker, Student IIDA
Mackenzie Merritt, Student IIDA
Sabrina Ahern, Assoc. IIDA
Tiffany Alberty, Assoc. IIDA
Allison Cook, Assoc. IIDA
New Members who LeeAnn
join before Crist, Assoc. IIDA
December 31, 2013 will receive the
Angela
Dopheide, Assoc. IIDA
balance of the year at no additional cost.
That’s 14 months forKarly
the price
of
12. Assoc. IIDA
Evans,
Gibbons,
Assoc. IIDA
We’ll even waive theJessica
application
fee –
that’s a $75 savings!
Dan Goranson, Industry IIDA
Crystal
Apply online
at Kelly, IIDA
Cathy Koch, Assoc. IIDA
www.iida.org
Cecily Kulhavy, IIDA
Kira Luxon, Assoc. IIDA
#LastToLeave
Brandea Morton, IIDA
Darcey Noyce, Assoc. IIDA
Brent Schipper, IIDA
Caitlin Schlader, Assoc. IIDA
Brook Schmalz, Industry IIDA
Stephanie Shay, Assoc. IIDA
Cari Trilk, IIDA
Erika Watson, Assoc. IIDA
Alexandra Weber, Assoc. IIDA
Alicia Wilkinson, IIDA
University of Nebraska Lincoln
University of Nebraska Lincoln
University of Nebraska Lincoln
Kirkwood Community College
University of Nebraska Lincoln
University of Nebraska Lincoln
Kirkwood Community College
University of Northern Iowa
University of Nebraska Lincoln
University of Nebraska Lincoln
Kirkwood Community College
University of Nebraska Lincoln
University of Nebraska Lincoln
University of Nebraska Lincoln
University of Nebraska Lincoln
University of Nebraska Lincoln
University of Nebraska Lincoln
University of Nebraska Lincoln
University of Northern Iowa
University of Nebraska Lincoln
University of Nebraska Lincoln
Kirkwood Community College
University of Nebraska Lincoln
Kelsey Miller, Student IIDA
Connie Olson, Student IIDA
Erin Owen, Student IIDA
Kelsey Pierce, Student IIDA
Christine Reiners, Student IIDA
Morgan Ronspies, Student IIDA
Hailee Shackelford, Student IIDA
Erica Singkofer, Student IIDA
Allie Smith, Student IIDA
Kayla Stock, Student IIDA
Angela Wagner, Student IIDA
Heidi Wehling, Student IIDA
Cheyenne Winchester, Student IIDA
Ann Zellner, Student IIDA
Victoria Ziemke, Student IIDA
LEO A DALY
Storey Kenworthy
Storey Kenworthy
Creighton University
Holland Basham Architects
Paragon Commercial Interiors
Sheppard’s Business Interiors
Sunderland Brothers Co.
RDG Planning & Design
Saxton Inc.
Saxton Inc.
Neumann Monson Architects
DLR Group
Saxton Inc.
ASK Studio
Saxton Inc.
Interface
Saxton Inc.
Pigott Inc.
Encompas
Sheppard’s Business Interiors
Hy-Vee Inc.
University of Nebraska Lincoln
Kirkwood Community College
Kirkwood Community College
University of Nebraska Lincoln
University of Nebraska Lincoln
University of Nebraska Lincoln
University of Nebraska Lincoln
University of Northern Iowa
University of Nebraska Lincoln
University of Nebraska Lincoln
Iowa State University
Kirkwood Community College
Kirkwood Community College
University of Nebraska Lincoln
University of Nebraska Lincoln
Don’t Forget!
Participating in IIDA’s Member-Get-A-Member campaign gives you
a chance to win a $500 AMEX gift card. You’ll receive one entry per
referral who joins by March 1, 2015! As a bonus, new members
receive 3 months of membership free and their $75 application fee
will be waived!
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Sponsorship & Fundraising
Leann Pederson, IIDA, Registered Interior Designer, LEED AP ID+C
We are excited to announce the completion of
another successful year for the IIDA Great Plains
Chapter Partnership! A warm welcome to all our
2015 Partners! And a huge thank you to those a
part of the 2014 program! We immensely appreciate your commitment and participation to our
Chapter and know that we could not do what we
do, without your support! We are looking forward
to another great year! Check out a list of the 2015
Partners at the end of this Newsletter.
Professional Development
Crissy Cozad, Industry IIDA
New Job Opportunities!
2015 Partners, don’t forget to utilize all
your benefits throughout the year! If
you have any ideas for CEU’s or Tour’s
for this year, please let us know!
If you have any questions, concerns, or
feedback regarding your benefits this
year, please contact Leann Pederson,
IIDA at [email protected].
Reminder!
Reminder that February 01, 2015
will mark the NCIDQ Spring Exam
Application deadline for Interior
Design Fundamentals Exam.
Interior Designer
Are you passionate about design? Ambitious? Hardworking, yet fun to be around? Then, let’s talk! Cannon
Moss Brygger Architects (CMBA) is currently seeking an experienced Interior Designer to join our Grand Island,
Nebraska team. We have a collaborative, fun work environment and are committed to pushing the boundaries
of excellence and creativity. For a full job description, please visit us at: www.cmbaarchitects.com Inquiries
may be made to Brad Kissler at 1-308-384-4444 or [email protected] for inquiries.
Senior Level ID Position
OPN Architects’ Cedar Rapids Office is seeking a Senior Level Interior Designer with 6-8 years experience
working within an architectural design firm. Our cross-disciplinary design studio requires a highly motivated,
passionate, creative, mentor to take our interiors to the next level of excellence. We are seeking talented,
motivated interior designers with strong communication skills with a focus on design excellence and client
satisfaction as well as a variation of skill level as follows. Basic understanding of Revit and various rendering
software programs, lighting design, and Construction Administration software programs. Extensive understanding of Programming and Space Planning, construction documents for all building types, Mechanical
- Electrical - Plumbing - Data coordination, interior building materials, specifications, and Construction
Administration process. Extensive experience in meeting and managing client interactions, multi-tasking and
managing multiple projects at one time, mentoring young designers, furniture specifications and furniture bid
documents. Please send all inquiries to Jennifer Kleese at [email protected] .
Iowa Sales Representative
RBC Tile & Stone is seeking an Interior Finish Sales Professional. You will work with the top Architects and
Designers in Des Moines, Central and Eastern Iowa markets. RBC is a well-established company and has been in
business for over 50 years. Must have an Interior Design degree and two years of sales experience is preferred.
The position is salary plus a bonus program. Excellent benefits package and 401(k) plan with company match.
Please send resume to [email protected] and visit our website at www.rbctile.com. Further inquiries may
be made to Angie Backer at 1-763-559-5531 or at [email protected]
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Advocacy
Jessica Doolittle, IIDA
Raising Funds in Nebraska
On October 15th, the Interior Design Coalition
of Nebraska (IDCN), along with the support of
Kaneko and Shaw Contract Group, presented a
fundraising lecture, “Beyond the Building” with
Michael Murphy. The event was well supported by
local professionals with 212 in attendance from the
IDCN, IIDA and ASID associations.
This fundraising event, held at Kaneko in Omaha,
highlighted exhibits by Wallace Cunningham,
Olson Kundig and Cedric Hartman during a
cocktail hour prior to the CEU presentation.
Murphy, co-founder and CEO of MASS Design
Group and 2010 Contract magazines designer of
the year, began the evening with a question, “what
is the soul of our discipline, what is the soul of our
work?” He continued on to discuss the relationship
of a building to our overall health, the future of
healthcare and the built environment.
Murphy shared a success
story of an ongoing
project in Rwanda and
the overwhelming impact
this project has had on
the urbanization of this
region. He went on to
discuss the importance
of investment in infrastructure and the shared
responsibility of global
issues. “Architecture
and design is moving
forward, our impact can
be tangible”, states Murphy.
Awareness in Iowa
This coming February 9th will mark Iowa’s annual Design Professionals Day
on the Hill in Des Moines. In support of the Interior Design field and the
Title Act of Registered Interior Designers in Iowa, IIDA Great Plains has
registered to be a participant along with AIA and others. This 3 hr event will
include setting up a table with information and displays identifying who IIDA
is and having Members on hand for discussion with State Representatives
about our field and the need for their support. If you are interested in being
involved, please contact Collin Barnes, IIDA.
#advocateinteriordesign
Learn more about your ability to influence and represent our profession!
As Interior Design professionals, we are accustomed to taking risks and dealing with
complexity. On a daily basis, we are pressed to keep up with ever-changing technologies,
juggle competing priorities and meet impossible deadlines. Yet when it comes to taking
action to advance the practice, many designers feel overwhelmed. The entire topic can
seem too complicated, too political, too abstract.
It doesn’t have to be. What follows are a few simple actions every Designer can take that
will have a direct positive influence on the practice in our own communities and as a whole.
#talkinteriordesign
Know how to talk about what you do as an Interior Designer and look for opportunities to
share that knowledge with others.
#engageinteriordesign
Keep up with current best practices and stay involved in the conversation.
#recognizeinteriordesign
Understand how the legal recognition of Interior Design impacts the profession, how it
applies in other states and what it could mean for our state.
OPPOSITE: Gensler and Associates/International, Ltd. I QVC Japan
Funds collected from this event, are
supporting Nebraska’s Coalition and their
ongoing efforts.
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hot topics
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Student Affairs
Collin Barnes, IIDA, Registered Interior Designer, LEED AP ID+C
Stay Connected!
Giving Back
IIDA Student Blog
Follow us on Twitter
Watch us on YouTube
Friend us on Facebook
Chapter Website
IIDA’s Student Mentoring Week (SMW)
is one of the most dynamic student/mentor
programs in the Interior Design industry.
Throughout the country, IIDA pairs 650+
students with 450+ mentors, taking students
out of the classroom and placing them into
the real world of the Interior Design field.
Don’t you wish there was a program like
SMW when you were in school?
iidastudents.wordpress.com
@IIDA_GP
IIDAHeadquarters
acebook.com/IIDAGreatPlainsChapter
http://iida-gp.org/students
Student Design Competition: Rethink Active Learning Spaces
Most education spaces today are decades old and as a result,
inadequately support student engagement, learning retention and
other key elements of a successful learning environment. As new
pedagogies emerge, it’s an ideal time to explore how space can
better support learning and improve student outcomes. That’s why
Steelcase challenged future designers to create the NEXT education
environment. Junior- and senior -level students competed against
other CIDA-accredited programs to gain global recognition from
Steelcase, the opportunity to be published in Steelcase marketing
materials, as well as cash prizes for the student and the university.
Finalists also received an all-expenses paid trip to Steelcase to
spend time with thought leaders and explore what’s NEXT in both
workplace, education and healthcare environments.
Mentor spots are still available! Now is
your chance to give back and let up to two
students shadow you for a one-day crash
course in the “day-in-the-life of a designer.” At
the same time, mentors have the opportunity
to inspire the next generation of designers
and connect with potential future employees
at a critical moment in their education. If
you are a design professional, manufacturers’
representative, dealer, or educator interested in elevating interior design students’
education through real world experience, we
need your support!
IIDA Great Plains
Chapter would
like to extend our
congratulations to
student member
Ali Collins
who received
Honorable
Mention for her
design solution.
We’re proud of
you Ali, great job!
UPCOMING
EVENTS
Please sign up to become a mentor in the
2015 SMW session by clicking here. Note
that both Members and non-members are
welcome to participate. For more information check out SMW’s Frequently Asked
Questions section by clicking here or by
contacting Karen Kiell at [email protected].
02.18.2015
02.19-20.2015
02.19.2015
02.23-27.2015
02.26-27.2015
05.15.2015
UNL Student Advocacy
ISU Career Fair
UNI Career Fair
Student Mentoring Week
UNL Career and Internship Fair
IDEA Awards at Kaneko in Omaha
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up next
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Upcoming Events
UPCOMING EVENTS
Des Moines City Center
02.26.2015
03.12.2015
04.09.2015
05.14.2015
05.15.2015
06.11.2015
10.23.2015
CEU - Trend Vision - Shive Hattery in W. DSM
Sponsors: Formica / Hodahl Company
Tour - Principal Financial “Z” Building in DSM
Service - Bureau of Refugees Services
Tour - Walking Tour of Downtown Businesses & Lofts
IDEA Awards at Kaneko in Omaha
Sponsors: IIDA-GP / Kaneko
Social - Save a Sample
Design Montage! At World Food Prize Hall in DSM
To Get Involved, Contact Danielle Williams, IIDA
02.18.2015 Student Event - Advocacy Day at UNL
Sponsors: IIDA-GP / ASID / IDCN
02.25.2015 Tour - Schrager Gallery
Sponsor: IIDA-GP
03.26.2015 CEU - Sustainable Innovation at Glacier Till Vineyard
Sponsors: Midwest Tile / Graniti Fiandre
05.15.2015 IDEA Awards at Kaneko in Omaha
Sponsors: IIDA-GP / Kaneko
05.21.2015 Social - End of Year Event!
Eastern Iowa City Center
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Omaha City Center
02.25.2015
03.25.2015
04.22.2015
05.15.2015
05.27.2015
CEU - Nature of Wood, in Marion
Sponsor: Gunlocke Sponsor
Tour & CEU - Alt. High School Tour, in Davenport
Tour & CEU - Allsteel Headquarters Tour, in Muscatine
IDEA Awards at Kaneko in Omaha
Sponsors: IIDA-GP / Kaneko
Membership Social in Iowa City
Sponsor: IIDA Sponsor
in review
Des Moines City Center
Danielle Williams, IIDA, Registered Interior Designer, LEED Green Associate
10.24.2014
Students: Firm Tours
IIDA Des Moines City Center Students experienced
a “day in the life” of various Interior Designers in the
industry at our annual firm tour. Local Des Moines
firms toured included Pigott, Inc., The Mansion,
OPN Architects, RDG Planning & Design, and a
presentation from Jeff Welch with J+J Invsion, at
EMC Insurance.
10.30.2014
Professional Headshots
01.06.2014
Thank you to all who attended our IIDA Des
Moines City Center member event, “Say
Cheese” Professional Headshots and Social. Our
photographer, Austin Hyler Day of Austin Hyler
Photography photographed 20 designers at a
unique venue, West End Architectural Salvage.
It was a great way for us to update our LinkedIn
profiles and freshen up our company marketing
materials!
Holiday Social
11.19.2014
CEU - KI
The Des Moines City Center had the opportunity
to attend “You Don’t Know It Yet But Collegiate
Design Is The New Driver For Workplace Design”
CEU. This event was located at Forest Ave Library
and was graciously sponsored by KI and Duet
Resource Group, with speaker Jonathan Webb.
IIDA members, dressed in ugly
sweater attire, gathered for the
holiday party at Up-Down, a
downtown Des Moines arcade
bar. The night was filled with
fun playing arcade games from
the 80’s and 90’s while enjoying
throw-back cocktails! Games
included classics from the arcade
days of Pac Man, PaperBoy and
Pinball, carnival style games
like Skee-Ball and competitive
rounds of board game classics
like Connect Four and Jenga
using large over scaled playing
pieces! A big thanks to Cambria
in sponsoring this memorable
Holiday Social!
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in review
Omaha City Center
Katrina Stoffel, IIDA
11.20.2014
CEU: Collegiate Design the New Driver
Over 30 IIDA Members gathered at Stokes Grill & Bar in downtown Omaha for a November
CEU. Southwestern style appetizers, desserts and drinks were enjoyed while listening to the
presentation entitled, “You Don’t Know it Yet but Collegiate Design is the New Driver for Workplace Design.”
This CEU was presented by Johnathan Webb from KI, who describes himself as a Business
Unit Strategy Leader; Workplace Research & Strategy Guru. “In a world where securing top
talent is a competitive business advantage in the workplace, employers spend time devising
ways to attract and retain an exceptional workforce. As companies look to recruit the best and
brightest form college campuses, they over overlook the one ideal recruitment strategy…the
campus design itself” says Webb.
We would like to thank Duet Resource Group & KI for a wonderful and educational event!
11.20.2014
12.11.2014
Photo Shoot
Social: Holiday Social
Thank you to all who attended the 5th Annual
Members Only photo shoot. The weather and location were perfect for Dama Damewood Photography to capture some fantastic images. We
have enjoyed watching the families grow up thru
the years with this event and are very excited to
continue it into the future! Make sure to click here
to see the rest of the photos on IIDA Great Plains
Facebook page!
Thank you again to the sponsors: Brook Schmalz
(Interface Carpet), Amy Funk (Knoll Textiles),
Melinda Stanton (Knoll) and Abby Scott (Spaces,
Inc.).
The holidays brought together over 100 Omaha
IIDA Members for an evening of cheer, photo fun,
raffle prizes, and fundraising at 1912, a tavern in
historic downtown Benson.
Raffle proceeds benefited an Omaha local charity,
CASA Douglas County. CASA is a wonderful
organization providing independent advocacy for
children in foster care. We’d like to thank CASA’s
representative, Kim Thomas, who joined us at the
event and was happy to explain a little bit more in
detail about CASA and how the event’s donation
would benefit their organization.
Thank you to IIDA Omaha City Center, Mohawk
Industries, Midwest Tile Marble & Granite Inc.,
and Encompas for serving as event sponsors
and to all the organizations who donated such
wonderful raffle prizes! This event could not be
possible, nor such a success without you and those
that volunteered!
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in review
Eastern Iowa City Center
Julie Quested, IIDA, LEED AP & Rebecca Jourdan, IIDA, Registered Interior Designer, LEED AP BD+C
10.23-24.2014
Wicked & Pumpkin Carving!
October was a busy month for us! First we want to
thank Tallgrass Business Resources for hosting
students from the Eastern Iowa City Center for a
pumpkin carving event on the 23rd. The students
all carved out some pretty cool designs and then
submitted their pumpkins for judging at the
Wicked Signature Event the following night.
The Halloween theme event, Wicked, was held
out at Sutliff Cider Barn in Lisbon - there was
great music, amazing local wine and cider, a silent
auction, and no shortage of unique costumes!
We danced and chatted late into the night before
departing into the evening’s thick fog…an
appropriate closing for such an event! All proceeds
raised that evening went to the American
Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
11.18.2014
12.03.2014
CEU - Workplace Design
Christmas Party
We had a really great crowd that came for
November’s CEU event: You Don’t Know It Yet But
Collegiate Design Is The New Driver For Workplace
Design. We all enjoyed pizza from a local favorite,
while getting a lot of great information about
new ways to address workplace design and how
collegiate design can influence the layout of
workspaces. Thanks so much to KI and Duet
Resource Group for sponsoring this event!
IIDA members all came out and enjoyed a
great evening sponsored by Janice Konchar
from Allsteel. Everyone enjoyed a wonderful
dinner and the ambiance of the North Ridge
Pavilion. We all learned of some new traditions
and dined while wearing crowns- you had to
be there! After dinner, we divided up to play a
fierce, and highly competitive round or two, of
Family Feud. Everyone had a blast, and on top of
that we collected a lot of great donations both of
items and of monetary value that were all taken
to Partners United for Supportive Housing in
Cedar Rapids (PUSH-CR).
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et cetera
Member Spotlight - Des Moines City Center
Abbey Potthoff, Associate IIDA
FEH Associates - Des Moines, IA
1
Design Rules/Philosophies that Steer You
“Make it simple, but significant.”
2
Favorite Instagrams to Follow:
@ihavethisthingwithfloors
@designlovefest
@tappancollective
@targetstyle
3
Dream Collaboration...
Dreaming big, Charles and Ray Eames! I
have a seperate savings account set aside for
an Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman...
Leg Splint, 1942
Did You Know?
Charles and Ray Eames material use
and creativity was even recognized
by the U.S. Military! During World War
II, the Eameses were commissioned
by the Navy to design a lightweight
and inexpensive leg splint. The final
solution derived from their previous
exploration of molding plywood.
4
Sources that Help Drive and Inspire:
I love websites like www.officesnapshots.com
Reps also seem to come in with a new product
at the perfect time. How do they do that?!
6
3 Things You Can’t Live Without...
Scarves
5
Alma Mater:
Iowa State University! I graduated in
2013 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the
College of Design.
Notebooks for making lists.
My current fav is from
“Pink Print Company” in the East Village.
Beyonce!
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et cetera
Member Spotlight - Omaha City Center
Amanda Swartwout IIDA, LEED AP
Studio l BRiNK - Omaha, NE
1
Design Rules / Philosophies that Steer You
First...
Nothing is impossible! I believe as designers we are
first and foremost problem solvers. It is our job to take
someone else’s visions and make them a reality. Often
times that means challenging or pushing ourselves (and
sometimes our clients) to unknown places. Every client is
unique and therefor deserves a solution that is uniquely
theirs. So no matter where you are in your career, don’t be
afraid to rediscover, reinvent, get crazy or just plain weird
in the name of the right solution. Go where no design has
gone before!
Secondly...
Leave everything better than when you found it. The
only way we are going to get the rest of the world to
understand what we do as designers is by proving our
worth. Nothing displays that worth more than bettering
the world... one small improvement at a time.
Dream Collaboration...
2
3
Bet You Couldn’t Guess...
You know how most people keep
an umbrella in their car just in
case? I have a tambourine... you
never know when the need for
more percussion will arise!
What Design Trends Do You Wish Would End?
I really really dislike herringbone patterned floors.
I’m not sure that will ever go away though. Also
wood stains that are red. I feel like no matter what
you try to put with a redish stain, it just looks cheap!
4
Dream Collaboration...
Fashion designers! I would love to do a flagship store
for something either high end or very unique. Or better
yet cross-pollinate between the two industries and
do a fashion line inspired by architecture or a line or
architectural products inspired by runway couture.
5
My Escape:
Oddly enough, karaoke. ( Though
not surprising if you read #2 on this
list! ) Nothing blows off some steam
like a good night of karaoke. Give
me a microphone and a good 80’s
power ballad and I am instantly
ready to fight another day!
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et cetera
Member Spotlight - Campus Centers
Allie Laurenzo, IIDA Student Member
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE
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Challenges of the Learning Process..
Overcoming my fear of coming up with
a bad idea or “being wrong”. The design
program is structured very different
from any classes I had ever taken in high
school and I let the fear of having a bad
critique prevent me from designing the
more unique projects I was drawn to.
Eventually, I overcame this fear and now
understand that working through those
discarded iterations is an integral part of
the design process.
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3 Things She Can’t Live Without...
Diet Coke
A good book
Post-It Notes (aka Sticky Notes)
Did You Know?
The yellow color of Post It Notes is
a distinctive registered trademark of
3M. Ironically, the well known color
was selected by chance, as the initial
samples were developed out of
yellow scrap paper lying around the
production lab.
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Inspiring Sources:
Ghislaine Vinas - I gravitated towards
her work before even knowing who she
was. Her designs have a simplistic quality
to them but she uses color in such a
unique and playful
way that always draws
me in. Her enthusiasm
about design and her
passion for creativity
shows in all the
projects she works on.
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When Did You Know?
From a very young age, the
idea of space interested me. I
loved sitting in my bedroom
and drawing out floor plans,
experimenting with a variety
of furniture arrangements. I
was constantly (making my
dad) rearrange my furniture
until I was old enough to do
it myself. My bedroom was
the only place I was able to
express my creativity and
explore the interest I had in
design. From there, I started
to research more about what
the design industry was. I
learned how much of an
impact interior design has
and I knew that it was the
career I wanted to pursue.
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et cetera
Member & Sponsor Highlights
Oh Baby!
IIDA Great Plains President, Jamie Eckmann, IIDA
and her husband Mike, welcomed their 1st child
on December 19, 2014!
Gavin Michael Eckmann was 8 lbs 3 oz. and 21
inches when he decided enough was enough and
it was time to meet Mom, Dad and playmate Sable
(family dog)! Congratulations to the Eckmann
family!
Upcoming Event...
Proud History & Future Ahead
Eakes Office Solutions, formerly Eakes Office
Plus, changed their name on October 1, 2014
to align with the company mission to provide
solutions which help customers work better.
Eakes Office Solutions is also celebrating their 70th
year as a locally owned business in 2015. Eakes
Office Solutions was started in 1945 in Grand
Island by Howard Eakes and since has grown
to 12 locations across the state helping service
customer’s furniture needs throughout Nebraska,
parts of Kansas and parts of Iowa.
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partners
click on the logos
to learn more
about our partner’s
services
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